Corner computer workcenter

ABSTRACT

A corner computer workcenter is described that includes means for positioning a CPU of a computer proximate to a monitor, keyboard, and other peripheral devices thereof and at a height with respect to the user that facilitates access to media drives and power switches. In one embodiment, the corner computer workcenter of the present invention includes a first horizontal surface for supporting a computer monitor, a second horizontal surface comprising a work surface located in front of and beneath the first surface, and a third horizontal surface located below the work surface for supporting a computer keyboard and other input devices. A shelf, the vertical height of which may be adjustable, is included for positioning a CPU of the computer just below the monitor and behind the work surface and keyboard support surface so that cables provided with the computer for connecting the monitor, keyboard, and other input devices to the CPU are of sufficient length to serve their intended purpose. Casters are provided at each side of the bottom, rear of the workcenter to facilitate access to the rear of the CPU and other computer components.

BACKGROUND

[0001] The present invention relates generally to computer workcentersand, more specifically, to a corner computer workcenter designed suchthat the CPU of a computer is positioned just below the monitor thereofand beyond a work surface of the workcenter for ease of access to theCPU and computer peripherals.

[0002] Various types of computer workcenters designed to accommodate thecomponents of a computer, including a monitor, CPU, I/O and otherperipherals, and perhaps a printer, and including a work surface areknown in the art. It is typically advantageous to design suchworkcenters such that they may be easily positioned in the corner of aroom, so as to take up as little space as possible.

[0003] Typically, such workcenters suffer from several deficiencies. Inparticular, the CPU is generally positioned in an inconvenient locationor an inconvenient distance from the monitor and/or work surface, suchthat the cables provided with the computer are not of sufficient lengthto enable proper use or connection of the peripheral devices.Additionally, the ports are often difficult for the user to access dueto the positioning of the CPU within the workcenter. Still further, whenthe CPU is positioned close to the floor, as is typically the case,access to media drives, as well as power switches, is inconvenient.Finally, if the CPU is enclosed in a cabinet of the workcenter, it maybe difficult, if not impossible, to provide sufficient ventilation forthe unit.

[0004] Moreover, because corner computer workcenters are, by definition,designed for placement in a corner of a room, it is often difficult toaccess the back of the computer components where many of the ports andconnectors are located. Because of the size of the workcenter, inaddition to the weight of the computer, it is next to impossible for oneperson to move the workcenter once it and the computer are in place.

[0005] Therefore, what is needed is a computer corner workcenter thataddresses one or more of the above-described problems.

SUMMARY

[0006] A corner computer workcenter is provided that includes anarrangement for positioning a CPU of a computer proximate to a monitor,keyboard, and other peripheral devices thereof and at a height withrespect to the user that facilitates access to media drives and powerswitches.

[0007] In one example, the corner computer workcenter includes a firsthorizontal surface for supporting a computer monitor, a secondhorizontal surface comprising a work surface located in front of andbeneath the first surface, and a third horizontal surface located belowthe work surface for supporting a computer keyboard and other inputdevices. A shelf is included for positioning a CPU of the computer justbelow the monitor and behind the work surface and keyboard supportsurface so that cables provided with the computer for connecting themonitor, keyboard, and other input devices to the CPU are of sufficientlength to serve their intended purpose. Casters are provided at eachside of the bottom, rear of the workcenter to facilitate access to therear of the CPU and other computer components.

[0008] The workcenter may thus position the CPU in a convenient locationfor enabling the user to access media drives and switches and inproximity to the monitor and/or work surface, so that the cablesprovided with the computer are of sufficient length to enable proper useand connection of the peripheral devices. Additionally, the ports may berendered more accessible to the user due to the positioning of the CPUwithin the workcenter. Moreover, because the CPU is not completelyenclosed within a cabinet of the workcenter, sufficient ventilation isprovided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIG. 1a is a front perspective view of the corner computerworkcenter of the present invention.

[0010]FIG. 1b is an overhead, front view of the corner computerworkcenter of the present invention.

[0011]FIG. 2 is a top isometric view of the corner computer workcenterof FIGS. 1a and 1 b.

[0012]FIG. 3 is a front isometric view of the corner computer workcenterof FIGS. 1a and 1 b.

[0013]FIG. 4 is a left side isometric view of the corner computerworkcenter of FIGS. 1a and 1 b.

[0014]FIG. 5 is a rear isometric view of the corner computer workcenterof FIGS. 1a and 1 b.

[0015]FIG. 6 is a right side isometric view of the corner computerworkcenter of FIGS. 1a and 1 b.

[0016]FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the corner computer workcenter of FIGS.1a and 1 b.

DESCRIPTION

[0017] Referring to FIGS. 1a, 1 b, and 2-3, the reference numeral 10refers in general to a corner computer workcenter. The workcenter 10includes a first horizontal surface 12 for supporting a computer monitor14 (not shown in FIG. 1a). A first pair of parallel, spaced,vertically-extending sidewalls 17 are connected to the bottom of thesurface 12. A shelf 16 for supporting a CPU 18 (not shown in FIG. 1a) isconnected between the sidewalls 17 such that the shelf 16 is positionedbelow the surface 12. In one example, the vertical height of the shelf16 is adjustable and is connected to the sidewalls 17 in such a mannerthat it may be easily raised and lowered thereby to adjust the verticalposition of the CPU 18 beneath the monitor 14 with respect to a worksurface 20 and to accommodate different size CPUs. Although not shown,it will be recognized that the CPU 18 is connected to the monitor 14positioned thereabove via one or more cables (not shown) designed forthat purpose in a conventional manner. Second and third horizontalsurfaces 20 and 22 are located below the first horizontal surface andrespectively function as a user work surface and a keyboard supportsurface, as will be described.

[0018] The second horizontal surface 20 is connected between a secondpair of parallel, spaced, vertically-extending sidewalls 24, which alsofunction as legs for the workcenter 10. An aperture 25 is defined by thesurface 20 through which the CPU 18 may extend. The third horizontalsurface 22 is connected below the second horizontal surface 20 betweenthe sidewalls 24 via slide guides 26, thus enabling a user positioned infront of the workcenter 10 to slide the surface 22 out toward the user,in a direction indicated by an arrow 28 a (FIG. 1a), in order to accessa keyboard or other input device, such as a mouse (not shown), supportedthereon and subsequently to slide the surface back away from the user,in a direction indicated by an arrow 28 b (FIG. 1a), to store thekeyboard.

[0019] CD racks 32 may also be provided in one example, for holdingcompact disc media in a convenient and organized fashion to the left andright of the CPU 18. As best shown in FIGS. 4-7, casters 34 are providedat each side at the bottom rear of the workcenter 10 for facilitatingmovement of the workcenter 10 away from a corner in which it resides forease of access to cabling on the rear of the CPU 18 and monitor 14.

[0020] As previously indicated, because the workcenter 10 positions theCPU 18 directly below the monitor 14 and behind the work surface 20, theuser has greater access to the front of the CPU, such that loading mediainto drives and accessing ports, switches, etc., is easy and convenient.Moreover, positioning the monitor 14, keyboard, and other input devicesin close proximity to the CPU 18 helps ensure that the cables providedwith the devices will reach the CPU and that special length cables willnot be required, as is often the case when the CPU is situated at groundlevel. Additionally, the workcenter 10 is semi-mobile, due to thepositioning of the casters 34 on the bottom rear thereof, thus enablingmovement of the workcenter when the computer and related componentsthereof are installed, replaced, or serviced and eliminating the needfor the person performing such tasks to crawl under or squeeze behindthe workcenter. Finally, the shelf 16 on which the CPU is supportedwithin the workcenter 10 provides improved ventilation for heatdissipation.

[0021] Accordingly, in one example of the workcenter 10, the CPU 18 ispositioned in a convenient location for enabling the user to accessmedia drives and switches (not shown) and in proximity to the monitor 14and/or work surface 20, such that the cables provided with the computerare of sufficient length to enable proper use and connection of theperipheral devices. Additionally, computer ports are rendered moreaccessible to the user due to the unique positioning of the CPU 18within the workcenter 10 and mobility of the workcenter. Moreover,because the CPU 18 is not completely enclosed within a cabinet of theworkcenter 10, sufficient ventilation is provided. Finally, the casters34 provided on the bottom rear of the workcenter facilitate movement ofthe workcenter 10, thereby enabling access to the rear of the CPU 18 andother components.

[0022] It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoingwithout departing from the scope of the present invention. For example,the shelf 16 need not be adjustable; rather, its vertical height may befixed. It is further understood that other modifications, changes andsubstitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure and in someinstances some features of the invention will be employed without acorresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate thatthe appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent withthe scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A workcenter for supporting at least a computermonitor and CPU, comprising: a first horizontal surface for supportingthe computer monitor; a first pair of parallel, spaced,vertically-extending sidewalls connected to the bottom of the firsthorizontal surface; a shelf connected between the first pair ofsidewalls below the first horizontal surface; and a second horizontalsurface located below the first horizontal surface and above the shelfand having an aperture therethrough; wherein the shelf is positionedsuch that the CPU is supported thereon and extends through the secondhorizontal surface aperture toward the first horizontal surface.
 2. Thecomputer workcenter of claim 1 further comprising casters provided on abottom rear of the workcenter.
 3. The computer workcenter of claim 1further comprising: a second pair of parallel, spaced,vertically-extending sidewalls extending from the bottom of the secondhorizontal surface; and a third horizontal surface slidingly connectedbetween the second pair of sidewalls.
 4. The computer workcenter ofclaim 1 further comprising a CD rack for housing compact disc media. 5.The computer workcenter of claim 4 wherein the CD rack is located on atop surface of the second horizontal surface proximate the CPU.
 6. Thecomputer workcenter of claim 1 wherein a vertical height of the shelf isadjustable.
 7. The computer workcenter of claim 4 wherein the thirdhorizontal surface is slidingly movable between a first position, inwhich the third horizontal surface is located underneath the secondhorizontal surface, and a second position, in which the third horizontalsurface extends substantially in front of the second horizontal surface.8. The computer workcenter of claim 1 wherein the second horizontalsurface functions as a user work surface.
 9. The computer workcenter ofclaim 4 wherein the third horizontal surface functions as a keyboardsupport surface.
 10. The computer workcenter of claim 3 wherein thesecond pair of sidewalls function as legs for the computer workcenter.11. A desk comprising: means for supporting a computer monitor; ahorizontal work surface provided below the computer monitor supportingmeans and having an aperture therethrough; and means for supporting acomputer CPU below the computer monitor supporting means such that thecomputer CPU extends through the work surface aperture and is locatedproximate to and horizontally spaced from the computer monitor.
 12. Thedesk of claim 1 wherein the computer CPU supporting means comprises: afirst pair of parallel, spaced, vertically-extending sidewalls connectedto the bottom of the first horizontal surface; and a shelf connectedbetween the first pair of sidewalls below the first horizontal surface.13. The desk of claim 12 wherein a vertical height of the shelf isadjustable.
 14. The desk of claim 11 further comprising: a second pairof parallel, spaced, vertically-extending sidewalls extending from thebottom of the horizontal work surface; and means for supporting akeyboard slidingly connected between the second pair of sidewalls. 15.The desk of claim 14 wherein the keyboard supporting means is slidinglymovable between a first position, in which the keyboard supporting meansis located underneath the horizontal work surface, and a secondposition, in which the keyboard supporting means extends substantiallyin front of the horizontal work surface.
 16. The desk of claim 11further comprising a CD rack for housing compact disc media.
 17. Thedesk of claim 16 wherein the CD rack is positioned on a top surface ofthe horizontal work surface proximate the CPU.
 18. The desk of claim 11further comprising means for facilitating movement of the desk.
 19. Thedesk of claim 18 wherein the means for facilitating movement comprisescasters provided on a bottom rear of the desk.
 20. A computer workcenterfor supporting at least a CPU and monitor, comprising: a firsthorizontal surface for supporting a computer monitor; a first pair ofparallel, spaced, vertically-extending sidewalls connected to the bottomof the first horizontal surface; a shelf connected between the firstpair of sidewalls below the first horizontal surface; a secondhorizontal surface located below the first horizontal surface and abovethe shelf and having an aperture therethrough; a second pair ofparallel, spaced, vertically-extending sidewalls extending from thebottom of the second horizontal surface; and a third horizontal surfaceslidingly connected between the second pair of sidewalls; and castersprovided on a bottom rear of the workcenter; wherein the shelf ispositioned such a CPU supported thereon extends through the secondhorizontal surface aperture toward the first horizontal surface.
 21. Thecomputer workcenter of claim 20 wherein the shelf is connected betweenthe first pair of sidewalls in such a manner that enables the verticalheight of the shelf to be changed.